Lawn Watering Restrictions Eased for Monmouth

Driving through Rumson, there's a flashing portable sign on River Road that tells the outdoor watering restriction story and advises people to go to the NJ American Water Co. (NJAWC) Web site for more information.

Here's that information:

Some relief is in sight since the Swimming River Reservoir water main break on June 29.

Where outdoor sprinklers were off limits for use since the water main break, NJAWC announced on Thursday that they can now be used for watering. However, the odd-even schedule that was imposed July 8 remains in effect "for the foreseeable future," according to a release.

“Temporary repairs at our Swimming River Water Treatment Plant were completed last weekend and over the last few days, our ability to provide water to our customers in Monmouth County has been restored,” said Stephen P. Schmitt, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water Co.

The odd/even watering schedule entails:

• Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.  on odd-numbered days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)

• Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.  on even-numbered days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)

Exceptions are:

• Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)

• Use of private wells for irrigation

• Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields and car washes